Stories from the Home Page

Illegal Caviar Operation Leads to Prison Time

December 6, 2018

As a result of a multiyear undercover investigation into the illegal commercialization of paddlefish, an Indiana man – already a convicted wildlife trafficker – was sentenced to two years in prison. This joint operation involved law enforcement professionals from four states.

A Yearly Dose of Wisdom

December 6, 2018

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross and the world’s oldest known wild bird has returned to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial. She first appeared back at her traditional nest site on November 29 and biologists on Midway have confirmed that she has laid an egg. Wisdom was first banded as an adult in 1956, making her at least 68 years old.

National Wildlife Refuges Announce 2019 Fee-Free Days!

December 6, 2018

Across America, national wildlife refuges offer unparalleled opportunities to experience the great outdoors amid scenic beauty. Thirty refuges that normally charge entrance fees will offer free admission on certain days in 2019, and nearly 500 other refuges are free year-round. Wildlife refuges offer world-class recreation, from fishing, hunting and wildlife observation to photography and environmental education. Every state and U.S. territory has at least one national wildlife refuge.

Investigation Roots out Bad Actors in Ginseng Trade

November 28, 2018

Operation Root Cause, one of the largest commercial ginseng cases ever prosecuted, brought 14 people to justice earlier this year. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent, with assistance from Pennsylvania wildlife conservation officers, worked undercover in Pennsylvania over two harvest seasons to gather evidence and build the case.

Winter Adventures Await at a National Wildlife Refuges

November 26, 2018

Don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors this winter. It’s a great time to get out and explore America’s national wildlife refuges. Here are a few fun ways to get outside in the colder months and see some amazing sights! Check it out and start planning your trip.

Nature’s Good Neighbors

November 20, 2018

Natural places help sustain our communities, fuel our economy, and contribute to the health and well-being of families in every corner of the nation. Our “Nature’s Good Neighbors” series highlights people who depend on the land as much as the land depends on them. With support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides expertise, assistance, funding and tools to conserve and restore wildlife habitat, these land stewards are working with nature to make a home for people and wildlife. We are thankful for “Nature’s Good Neighbors” and all that they do.

The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter features a black-crowned night-heron flying over scenic coastline, with a historic lighthouse in the background. Credit: United States MintHigher Quality Version of Image

Mint Launches Block Island National Wildlife Refuge Quarter

November 14, 2018

The U.S. Mint is celebrating the beauty of Rhode Island with the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter, the 45th coin released in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program. Block Island is the second refuge in the series – Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware has also been honored.

The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge quarter features a black-crowned night-heron flying over scenic coastline, with a historic lighthouse in the background. Credit: United States MintHigher Quality Version of Image

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory has several veterans (from left to right): Laura Daugherty (USN), Lloydene Hill (USAF), Johnnie French (USA) and Ken Nekotani (USA). Credit: USFWSHigher Quality Version of Image

Thank You, Veterans

November 8, 2018

The brave women and men in the military make daily sacrifices to safeguard our freedoms. We are privileged that after their military careers, many veterans put their skills toward the defense of wildlife and their habitats. Continuing in the service of the country, these veterans join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as biologists, story-tellers, administrators, law-enforcement officers and more. Our military branches also are key partners in conservation, using their lands to protect and recover wildlife.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory has several veterans (from left to right): Laura Daugherty (USN), Lloydene Hill (USAF), Johnnie French (USA) and Ken Nekotani (USA). Credit: USFWSHigher Quality Version of Image

Building a Stronger Coast

November 2, 2018

t’s been just two years since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and partners removed the dilapidated and dangerous Pond Lily Dam in New Haven, Connecticut. Now, with the help of local volunteers, the pond behind the dam has been replaced by a sprawling green nature preserve and a free-flowing river complete with migratory fish. Neighborhood streets are also protected from extreme flooding events caused by the old dam.

Doggie Detectives Sniff for Science

November 2, 2018

Research commissioned by the Hudson River Natural Resource Trustees recently confirmed that mink populations are reduced along New York’s Hudson River, which is contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs. Who helped scientists get the data that led to the findings? Conservation Canines like Pip. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service represents the Department of the Interior on the Trustees.

Service, Football Team Go Fish with Kansas City Youth

October 30, 2018

Urban American Outdoors TV’s National Urban Kids Fishing Derby Tour stopped in Kansas City, Kansas, on October 8, bringing together the Service, the Kansas City Chiefs and others to engage Kansas City youth in one of the nation's great outdoor pastimes.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announces More Than $1.1 Million in Grants to Help Bats

October 30, 2018

In the midst of Bat Week, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced more than $1.1 million in grants to combat white-nose syndrome and promote the survival of bats in North America. The grants were awarded through the Bats for the Future Fund, a public-private partnership between NFWF, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Southern Company and the Avangrid Foundation.

Fourth-graders came to John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum in Philadelphia on May 9 with a mission: Clean up the marsh! Credit: USFWSHigher Quality Version of Image

Conservation Comes to Cities

October 22, 2018

More and more of the nation lives in cities, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to connect urban dwellers with nature. In the Northeast Region, the Service works closely with nine cities to establish urban partnerships as a way to engage new audiences and share our natural resources.

Unique Utah Plant Flourishes Under a Conservation Agreement

October 17, 2018

A substantial population increase has prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the Deseret milkvetch from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. An agreement with Utah partners protects approximately 74 percent of the total Deseret milkvetch habitat and establishes goals for the long-term survival of the species.